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July
8

Homeowners tackle home improvement projects for all kinds of reasons, but unless you're planning to sell soon, most of the reasons boil down to getting more enjoyment from your home. Even with all the headaches remodeling projects can bring with them, they can foster a real sense of accomplishment when they're finished.

In 2015, HouseLogic.com surveyed consumers to find out how happy they were with their most recent home improvement projects. They took those results and calculated a "joy score" for each project. The scores were included in the National Association of Realtors 2015 Remodeling Impact Report.

So which projects brought homeowners the most joy when they were all said and done? Here are the ones that ranked near the top:

Add new bathroom
Joy score: 10

This doesn't surprise me at all! An additional bathroom gives a family a little extra breathing room, privacy and convenience. You'll be happy you did it every time your teenager is holed up in one of your bathrooms or your in-laws come to visit.

Complete kitchen renovation
Joy score: 9.8

Of course, improvements to the heart of the home ranked high on the list. Whether you're a cook or not, the kitchen is central to our daily lives and often a gathering place when family and friends come to visit. Adding beauty and convenience only makes that better. Even homeowners who didn't commit to the complete renovation were thrilled with their kitchen upgrades, which scored 9.4.

New master suite
Joy score: 9.7

Adding a peaceful, well-designed master suite adds a serene haven to your home. Who wouldn't get joy from being in it every day?

New front door (steel or fiberglass)

Joy score: 9.7

If your curb appeal is lacking, even something as basic as a new front door can have a dramatic effect. You'll be pleased when you see it each day and be proud to welcome visitors. You'll also get peace of mind from the added security.

Hardwood flooring refinish
Joy score: 9.6

You don't even think about how much flooring affects your living space until you refinish or replace it. Gleaming hardwoods are stylish and inviting and instantly warm up a home. (New flooring scored 9.5)

New roofing
Joy score: 9.6

A new roof brings with it the comfort of knowing that your home is protected from the elements and maybe even more energy efficient! And just like flooring, you have no idea how much you'll love the way it looks until it's done.

New garage door
Joy score: 9.5

Your garage door will welcome you every time you come home. Additional features, such as smartphone operation, enhance the door's convenience and your home's security.

Basement/attic conversion to living area
Joy score: 9.4

Homeowners who finish basements and attics are generally thrilled with the new living spaces that are created. And if you're forced to clear clutter to make way for the new room, that's even better.

We spend so much time in our homes, we might as well love them. Not ready to take on one of these larger projects? No worries. Even a fresh coat of paint or some new plantings in the yard can increase the joy and pride you feel in your home. (Check out HouseLogic's Improve section for inspiration.)

Ready to buy or sell? Call me at (540) 353-0123 or email me at sonya@sonyadickinson.com. Browse my listings here and be sure to like my Facebook page.

Disclaimer: All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumers personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Information on this site was last updated 03/21/2026. The listing information on this page last changed on 03/21/2026. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange program of Delta Media Group MLS (last updated Sat 03/21/2026 12:57:48 AM EST) or Roanoke Valley MLs (last updated Fri 03/20/2026 11:23:20 PM EST). Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than MKB, REALTORS may be marked with the Internet Data Exchange logo and detailed information about those properties will include the name of the listing broker(s) when required by the MLS. All rights reserved.
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